The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of official records related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public identifying details of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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